What’s Important to Check in a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection
A proper pre-purchase inspection looks beyond shiny paint and a quick test drive. It focuses on the systems that affect safety, reliability, and big repair bills. These are the key areas that should always be checked.
1. Engine & Fluids
The engine is usually the most expensive component, so it deserves close attention:
- Oil leaks around the engine, oil pan, valve cover and seals
- Coolant leaks at hoses, radiator, water pump and heater core
- Condition and level of all fluids: engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering
- Unusual noises on start-up or under load (knocking, ticking, rattling)
- Exhaust smoke (blue, white or heavy black) which can indicate internal problems
2. Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission and drivetrain issues can be costly, so signs of trouble matter:
- Automatic transmission shifting (smooth, no slipping, flaring or hard clunks)
- Manual transmission and clutch operation (no grinding, smooth engagement)
- Differentials and AWD/4x4 system (no whining, clunks, or warning lights)
- CV axles and driveshafts (no torn boots, excess play or vibration under acceleration)
3. Brakes, Suspension & Steering
These systems directly affect safety and how confident a vehicle feels on the road:
- Brake pad and rotor wear, thickness and condition
- Brake lines and hoses for rust, damage or leaks
- Struts and shocks for leaks, excessive bouncing or poor control over bumps
- Ball joints, tie rods, control arms and bushings for play or torn rubber
- Steering feel and response (no excessive play, pulling, or clunking when turning)
4. Tires & Wheels
Tires offer clues about maintenance and alignment:
- Tread depth and overall condition (no cracking, bulges or obvious damage)
- Even versus uneven wear (can point to alignment or suspension issues)
- Matching set of tires (brand, size and type)
- Wheels/rims for bends, cracks or heavy curb damage
5. Body, Frame & Rust
Cosmetic flaws are one thing; structural issues are another:
- Rust on rocker panels, wheel arches, underbody and key mounting points
- Signs of previous collision repairs (mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, overspray)
- Frame or unibody damage (kinks, bends, fresh undercoating hiding repairs)
- Condition of glass and lights (chips, cracks, cloudy or broken lenses)
6. Electrical System & Electronics
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics, which can be expensive to diagnose and repair:
- Exterior and interior lights (headlights, signals, brake and reverse lights)
- Power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers and washer functions
- Heating and air conditioning performance across all settings
- Infotainment systems, backup cameras, sensors and other convenience features
- Battery condition and charging system performance
7. Computer Scan & Warning Lights
The vehicle’s onboard computers store useful information about hidden issues:
- Scan for stored and pending diagnostic trouble codes in all major modules
- Check that warning lights come on with the key and go off after starting
- Look at readiness monitors to see if codes were recently cleared
8. Test Drive
A careful test drive ties everything together:
- Cold start behaviour, idle quality and warm-up
- Acceleration and braking (smoothness, stability, vibrations or pulling)
- Steering feel at different speeds and on different road surfaces
- Noises over bumps or at highway speed (clunks, humming, whining, rattles)
9. History & Paperwork
The vehicle’s history helps put its condition in context:
- Service records showing regular maintenance
- Evidence of major past repairs and how they were handled
- Any rebuilt, salvage or out-of-province status
- Open recalls, if information is available
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